Knuckles Mountain Range

Located in central Sri Lanka, the Knuckles Mountain Range or Dumbara range in Sinhala, takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resembles the knuckle of clenched fist when viewed from a certain locations. Unique in its location and running at right angles to the range that runs from Laggala & Urugala, is one of the bio-diversity hot spots, a water catchment and a wildlife reserve.

The higher mountain area is often covered with thick layers of cloud. In addition to offering beautiful views, the range is also of great scientific interest. At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harbouring a variety of flora and fauna. The isolated Knuckles range harbours several relict, endemic flora and fauna that are distinct from central massif. More than 34 percent of Sri Lanka's endemic trees, shrubs, and herbs are only found in these forests.

Attractions

Flora and Fauna ? The Knuckles Mountain Range is the habitat of a wide variety of endemic flora and fauna. Inside the mountain, these plants can be seen in abundance such as in the lowland semi-evergreen forests and montane forests.

Mammals ? The range boasts 31 species of mammals, and some of these species are? - Black-napped Hare, Jackal, and Toque Macaque and Purple-faced Leaf Monkey Wild Buffalo, Wild boar. Additionally, there are some other types of mammals like ? the Fishing cat, Sambar, Leopard, Mouse Deer, and Elephants.

Things to Do

Bird-watching ? Renowned for its rich composition of birdlife with more than 130 species of birds, among the total recorded birds, 20 types of species are endangered. These endangered species of birds include ? the elusive Sri Lankan Whistling Thrush, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lankan Spot-wing Thrush, Sri Lankan Super fowl, Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot, Layard’s Parakeets, Jungle fowl, Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Sri Lankan Wood shrike, Sri Lankan Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lankan Myna, Bush Warbler, etc.

Trek at Knuckles Range ? Trekking is the most popular activity in the Knuckles range, because it is one of the best natural attractions in Sri Lanka. The entire area consists of changing terrain of grasslands, with rough mountain peaks mix together with the streams and flowing waterfalls, making the Knuckles Mountain Range a unique spectacle.

Best time to visit
December to February is the best time for trekking as the possibility of rain here is moderate. The weather of Knuckles Mountain Range is volatile and it can change radically. As stated earlier, the entire mountain is shrouded with mist and rain could visit the place in any time.

How to reach
Knuckles mountain range is a World heritage Conservation Area and it allures thousands of tourists each year. You can reach Knuckles Range Mountain while taking the A26 main motorway, which runs through the east region of Kandy to Hunnsgiriya. From Hunnasiriya, you will need to take the B grade road, which will take you to the Corbett’s Gap. After that, you can easily see the Knuckles Range Mountain.